Best Trails in Lake Malone State Park

The lake is enclosed by dramatic 50-foot sandstone bluffs rising above the water's edge and surrounded by hardwood forests. Discover the beautiful landscape of Lake Malone State Park on the 1.5-mile Laurel Trail or the .25-mile Wildflower Trail. These easy-rated hiking trails provide picturesque views of many rock walls, once used as shelters by Native Americans. Mountain laurel, holly, dogwood and wildflowers provide a rich tapestry of native flora. Natural wonders abound in this secluded wilderness!

It had been years since I hiked this trail. A lot of the trail markers are missing now and locals have made an alternate four wheeler trail that connects to the Laurel trail. As the trails are not clearly marked it would be quite easy to get lost in the woods or wander onto the adjacent private property. Judging from some of the more recent reviews I have to say this happens quite a bit.

Update. The Park Ranger's office was open today and I was able to get an updated map. There is one new trail. The Twisted Tree Trail which branches off from the Laurel Trail. There are four wheeler trails which branch off onto private property, but the trail loops back around. The Twisted Tree Trail is more clearly marked than the Laurel Trail but there is a stream to cross on this trail with no bridge as of yet.

We really enjoyed it. The trails were clear. There were quite a few rock formations that the kids really enjoyed. There is a junction where, if you are starting the hike along the water, you can either take a trail west, or continue east. If you are just wanting to hike the Laurel Trail, continue east. The other trail seems to be a bit newer and we weren't really sure where it went or how long it was. We hiked it for about half a mile before we turned back.

Overall this is a nice, short trail though. I'd love to come back in the fall and see the lake with the different color leaves.

Camped out here countless times since I was a child. I Love this campground and it's honestly one of my very favorites. It's not a large camp ground it has a few trails around for hiking a small beach for swimming and primitive and developed camp sites. It is beautiful particularly in the Fall of the year.